2012 sisters
Comments
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Wow. I had no idea that would happen to nails. Sigh
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MrsCich, I'm glad you found some peace with your decison and got good support from the onco nurses. Remember that nails, like hair, will come back afterward.
Allurbaddays, just wanted to say I too lost it the morning of AC #4, had a big crying fit, told the husband who was driving me, just ignore this and get me there. I can barely comprehend I got through four rounds of that stuff, but I did. We did. Yay us!!!
Some of these posts are making me fear the Taxol. I thought I'd read Taxotere was worse, now I hear Taxol is worse for neuropathy. My MO sugested that tends to be permanent, and I don't think my clinic uses icing for hands and feet. They did give ice chips for the mouth for AC, so maybe I've got it wrong. Guess I'd better make another phone call to the nurses line.
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I picture my nails being pulled out and painful. Is it not?
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MrsCich.... I only lost toenails... big ones. Well in fact the right one first and now the left is going (last tx June 22). Couple of the middle toenails went too. I never even knew mine fell off until I looked down. Hope I didn't lose is somewhere inappropriate
My fingernails are still in tact. Although I did cut them short as I said. Certainly wasn't painful in my experience. Let nature take its course - everything we lose grows back... except our boobies of course. Try your hardest not to fret about it... everyone of us is so different and not all SE's are experienced by us. And I realise me saying try not to fret is easy for me to say... but I have been there, done that and got the badge.... so I do know that worrying will not make a difference in the world. ((((hugs)))) -
Hi, ladies,
I'm new to all this, too. 39 years old, never had a mammogram, and discovered a painful lump one morning after my shower. My GYN said it was probably a cyst, and sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. Radiologist said it wasn't a cyst and referred me for a biopsy. Within two weeks of discovering my lump, I went from normal to another face of breast cancer. Last week I had a lumpectomy and an axillary lymph node dissection; it came back positive, so she removed all the axillary lymph nodes. Now I'm in waiting once again to find out how many of the lymph nodes were affected, because that determines whether or not I have chemotherapy.
My question is this: With the removal of lymph nodes, is it normal for the pain to go down the inside of your arm, and down the back of your arm? That seems to be more painful than the actual incisions!
It's so nice to know that I'm not alone on my journey. It's nice to "meet" some fellow pilgrims!
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Hi AmethystButterfly (lovely name). Sorry you have to be here, but you've find a wonderful place full of love, comfort, love, rants and any other emotion you go through.
I have just had my mx and AND (axilliary node dissection)... and yes the pain and sensation you feel is all very normal and expect it to last a few months. I had my surgery on August 2 and I can still feel that. I have no pain from my mx incision or sensation. I was told that the sensation we feel... I think someone on here likened it to a buzzing type of sensation..... this can last for quite a few months afterwards according to my BS. Likely not what you wanted to hear, but least you know.
Well I had a burst of energy ladies and have cleaned my car inside and out.... now its time to rest.
All those going through tx.. hoping for minimal SE's.
Hugs and thoughts to all xxxx
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Ladies, Sorry to scare those of you just starting chemo with my nail issues! It just took me by surprise yesterday when I saw they were going to come off. I taked to my MO today and he said yes, that does happen for some people and it can take a little while after chemo is done for them to come off. He said they all might not come off, but will not look pretty until they grow out, and the dead/bruised nail will lift from the nail bed so be careful not to get bactiera underneath them. Right , cuz that is easy! He said I could paint them if I wanted, so today my daughter gave me a semi-manicure and painted them the coolest color gray, she said that is the newest thing. They look better now!
I guess it is like the hair thing, I too was very emotional when my hair first started falling out and we had the shaving party. But it is temporary and will grow back, like the nails.
Good news is my hair has started growing back, and it's only 3 weeks post chemo! it's very light but definately coming in, even my eyebrows.. now don't get me wrong, at this rate it will be 10 years before I have the long hair I did before BC, but at least it is something.
I Have to keep remembering to use the positive attitude thing whenever possible. Everyone says it is great how positive I am about this, but I think sometimes that is a good front that I put on... inside I hate it all!! But I still keep trying ,they do say it helps! All through chemo I would say there are five good things -- didn't have to shave my legs for the summer, no period to deal with, can get ready for work in five minutes (no hair to deal with), and got new clothes because of the weight loss!
I have always been one to try and find the silver lining in everything that happens in life. Still not able to find one about BC happening to me in general... I'll let you know if I find that one! Overall right now it just sucks!! F*** BREAST CANCER!!
For the taxol vs taxotere discussion, I was in a neoadjuvant cliinical trial that used Abraxane rather than taxol, for less side effects and it wasn't so bad. My MO told us that for Taxol and Taxotere the drug is bound with a solvent to dissolve it and that causes many of the side effect people get because people are very sensitive to the solvent. The Abraxane uses a protein oil from a tree to dissolve the drug and there are less side effects. I can say that my side effects were much less than some of those taking traditional taxanes. It may be worth asking about. here is a link to the study http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00617942?term=Herceptin+and+abraxane&rank=2. I wil find out in surgery if I had a PCR or not, but we are hoping as the tumor is no longer palable and almost invisible by MRI!
Came home early from work today, just not feeling myself. Slept a little and that helped. I hope I'm not getting my daughter's cold! and I can't seem to stop crying today, everything is upsetting me, I even cried watching Finding Nemo!!
Sorry this is soooo long... Here's HUGS to all. Tomorrow is another day!
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Mrscich, my nails were never painful, and I didn't lose any fingernails. They look good too, although you can clearly see 4 'bands' on each of them, one for every chemo. That is growing out now, and soon there will be no sign that I ever had chemo. Only one of my toenails fell off, and the rest are fine. They were somewhat sensitive for a while, but that is going away now. It never bothered me or kept me from any activities.
Ann, I can only speak from my own experience. I don't know about Taxol, but my onc assured me that with Taxotere the neuropathy would be less severe, and that it would go away. I finished chemo on May 7, and developed neuropathy (burning, numbness, tingling) in my toes towards the end of chemo. It was a worry for a while, but it is gradually fading away, and I hardly notice it anymore. It does not impair me at all, and I exercise as I did before. In a few months' time it will be totally gone, I think. This is so hard, and every person reacts differently to these drugs. Everybody makes their own decision and then hopes for the best. Good luck to you!
Amethyst, I had four lymph nodes removed,a nd never experienced the pain you are describing. All I want to say is welcome to this board. Yo have come to a place where it is safe to laugh, cry, rant and rave. Hopefully someone will be along soon who can help you with the pain question.
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I am copying from the Canadian thread and September thread since they are also relevent to this IDC one so those of you also on those sites will see the same thing.
I met with my BS early this morning and my pathology report was there. I kind of expected some bad news but not as bad as it was. Pre op with just the core biopsy pathology which said <2cm IDC, no vascular or lympatic invasion, I tought that a lumpectomy, SNB and radiation should do it. But now it is 6/8 nodes cancerous. The second lump the BS found in surgery is actually a lymph node replaced by metatastic cancer. The original main lump is grade 3 invasive mammary cancer and is minimum 3 cm. There is IDC at a couple of the margins and DCIS within 0.5 mm of one of the margins. There is extensive lymphovascular invasion. I am still tyring to take all this in but she called it a "constellation of cancers." CT abdominal scan and bone scan being arranged along with the referral to a medical oncologist. Looks like chemo, possible modified radical mastectomy and axillary dissection, radiation and reconstruction. Guess I am in for the long haul. I don't think I will fall into the category of wondering whether I need or want any further treatment; instead I will be doing it all!
In shock,
Marian -
Websister, I have been trying to pm you, but it does not work. I'm obviously doing something wrong, and admit that I am technologically challenged when it comes to computers, so can someone walk me through the steps, please? Slowly now . . .
Chrissera, you are the poster girl for positivity, trying to find a silver lining in bc. If you find it, let us know. We can all do with some encouragement! Hope you feel better tomorrow.
Marian, so sorry to hear this news! It is weird how often we read people's initial diagnosis here, and then when the pathology comes, the diagnosis changes completely. One just never knows for sure until that path report. Take heart, Marian, we are here to support you all the way. That 'constellation of cancers' (almost sounds like a new galaxy!) will be attacked with every weapon in the arsenal, there will be war and that constellation will be annihilated! (((BIG HUGS!)))
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liefie you got me to smile. Star Wars coming up.
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Star Wars was exactly what I was thinking, Marian. We urgently need you, Dr. Spock!
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Just finished reading through all the posts, it has been busy. Juneau, good to hear from you, so glad you will be getting rid of the port and you aree now down to one to go.
Amethyst - welcome. The symptoms you describe with your arm sound very similar to mine, I'm told it is normal, although I am now going through physio for cording.
I'm disappointed today, I had myself all psyched up to get chemo 3 out of the way tomorrow but my neutrophil count is too low, so I am put off a week. I will have another blood test next Monday and, all things good, chemo on Tuesday. I will have Neulasta on the Friday 3 days after and then we are flying out to Vancouver Island early Saturday a.m. I thought I had planned so well so I would be on a week 3 and feeling good, now it will be week 2 and just post Neulasta. My MO did say they were fine with me trying the Claritin, but to make sure I took Advil and Tylenol with me also as well as my anti-nausea meds. Kind of feeling like a good cry might be in order and then I will re-plan this week and enjoy it and take the rest as it comes.
Take care everyone -
Hi gang,
Marianeelizabeth, hang on dear! Every light saber will be used to knock off those cells! I know the shock has to be hard. Once those treatment plans are in place you will know that those cells are about to obilerated! Crazy how things change in a moment...I got that experience outside the BC world the last 2 days...
I have had a rollercoaster of emotions as of late... Yesterday the happiest of days, my son got engaged. Today I had to be at radiation treatment #4 at 6:30 AM as they needed to have the machine for a diffcult case later etc. I then went to work to be told at noon that company is downsizing and my job..poof...is gone. I have worked there 8-5 everyday (not a sick day until this dx) since 2006. I planned to literally work through rads and get on with life. Well hello...so I am now declaring that October is be kind to myself month. I will do rads, join an exercise class, try to RELAX, go out of town on some weekends to watch DD coach college soccer and use the time to review what is important and what I will do next. I think I will be able to switch to hubby's insurance and just glad that my company is keeping me on the books for 2 months and thus will take care of the surgery and rads which I hope is done on Haloween. Who knows what tomorrow brings..I can for a fact state that I am ready for a day or two of boring!! Hugs to all!
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Everyone has some kind of news today.
Marian, I am so sorry to hear about your path report.
Amethyst, welcome to the family. Sorry you have to be here but here is where you'll want to be under these circumstances.
Web sister, that sucks. Hope that cry makes you feel better. A trip right now sounds like something I'd like to do.
I had my chemo class this afternoon but that's not the news I want to share. My Onc (whom I love) called to tell me she was reviewing my case because she can't seem to pin point the size of the actual IDC part of the tumor. I had 2 areas. One at 10 o'clock was all DCIS, the area at 1 o'clock was IDC and DCIS. She is presenting my case to the Oncology Board tomorrow morning so they can review it and give recommendations. So, if my IDC is smaller than 1 cm, I won't have to do chemo...just hormone therapy. She has to bring the scans to the board and all the path reports.
I should know tomorrow afternoon. -
Websister, I missed your post. It is tough to get yourself psyched up for one thing only to have your best plans tossed around. I hope for good results Monday and you can get on with it...a trip does sound like a perfect getaway. Take all you need and try to relax in a different enviroment! And welcome Amythyst! This group is the best...the gang gets what you are going through . welcomes with open arms, and is there for you anytime! Life seems to be throwingalot of lemons as of late...so going to make us all a batch of lemonade!
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Websister, I missed your post. It is tough to get yourself psyched up for one thing only to have your best plans tossed around. I hope for good results Monday and you can get on with it...a trip does sound like a perfect getaway. Take all you need and try to relax in a different enviroment! And welcome Amythyst! This group is the best...the gang gets what you are going through . welcomes with open arms, and is there for you anytime! Life seems to be throwing alot of lemons as of late...so going to make us all a batch of lemonade!
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Websister, I missed your post. It is tough to get yourself psyched up for one thing only to have your best plans tossed around. I hope for good results Monday and you can get on with it...a trip does sound like a perfect getaway. Take all you need and try to relax in a different enviroment! Mrs. Cinch--your Onc rocks and sounds like she is doing all the right things! You are in good hands!! And welcome Amythyst! This group is the best...the gang gets what you are going through . welcomes with open arms, and is there for you anytime! Life seems to be throwing alot of lemons as of late...so going to make us all a batch of lemonade!
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What a roller coaster ride of emotions today.
Group hug needed.
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Thanks, Aruba - I forgot to congratulate you on your son's engagement, it sure would have been nice to be able to bask in that for at least a few days before the work news. I will join you in making that lemonade.
MrsCich - fingers crossed for you that you don't have to do chemo, as you said the side effects of chemo are serious
Marianelizabeth - I also missed your news, quite a blow to receive. Sending hugs - and lemonade
Chrissera - I liked your post about silver linings, thank you
Tazzy - good to hear from you. Enjoy the weather and your reprieve from treatment -
Hi all - I am sorry to hear about your disappointments today, I hope that things go better in the future.
Websister, good luck with your trip.
Aruba, sorry about your job. Hopefully your dream job is waiting out there for you.
My posts are perhaps not very organized as of yet, so please accept my apologies.
Well, got through 2nd treatment, but forgot my LIDOCAINE for my port because I was too busy snivelling about my hair (cr@p). ouch.
I feel a little bit better now, and finally figured out how to get that photo updated...
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I'm with you all on that crying fest today and the need for a hug. So sorry for those of you with diagnosis changes that weren't what you wanted to hear. Sorry to those of you newly joining us - but welcome. Websister - Sorry about that delay. I am fearing my own delay, as this headcold seems to be turning into an infection. I go in tomorrow to get checked and likely get antibiotics. Praying my fever stays down and my counts are good so that I can stay on schedule for round 3 on Wednesday. Nothing like having your schedule changed on you I imagine. And to top things off - my kids are still sick with fevers and runny noses and I can't seem to fully keep myself clear of them. Makes me nervous and anxious. And as much as I thought things with my time off were settled at work - seems they aren't and I'll have that crap to deal with now too. So while I am not someone prone to many anxiety attacks, and I use my xanax very sparingly - I felt an attack coming on late in the day today and had to treat myself to a xanax earlier in the day than I have ever taken it - with the exception of d-day of my diangonsis when I got my first ever bottle of it. So obviously I am calmer now - but boy have I been a bucket of waterworks and anxiety the past two days. I hate this all. I hate that bc has done this to me. I am usually a much more even-keeled amd positive person. Sigh... Thanks for listening ladies. Sharing with Tazzy's group hug and giving you all a big virtual squeeze (but a gentle one to those of you suffering aches and pains).
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Websister, sorry about that! We psyche ourselves up for the chemo, and it sucks if it does not go ahead so that we can get it over with. We will be coming back from Alberta on Oct. 8, and we can meet sometime during the week of 8 - 12 Oct. it seems. Now I must just figure out how to pm you. Have never done it before and I'm struggling.
I'm with Tazzy on the group hug. Lot of not-so-good things today. Silver lining, where are you?
MrsCich, I hope you miss the chemo boat. If it's not absolutely necessary, you won't want to do it. May you get lucky - we need some good news around here.
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Hello
Good to hear from all of you!
Nails- I had 4 x ac and 12 taxol and kept my nails moisturized and at the end of taxol they were so long but actually dead so broke off to nubs but never fell off completely. I did loss two pinky toe nails.
I got what they call hand foot syndrome with ac and my feet peeled and we sore to walk on but after we baby smooth so guess that was a bonus after. Ahh the red devil! I actually started to get neuropathy on my last few taxol treatments so my doc and I decided to stop them and it went away. I do have a lot of body stiffness after and sitting still is bad for that for me. I hope it gets better:(
But those going through chemo, I promise there is an end to it! You can get through it! I have been done since late June and almost forget the bad days:) you will too! But for now do want you have to get through this shit! I hate that you have to do it!
I went back to work today and god it was good! I miss my job! I manage about 30 plus men who do maintenance and it is a challenge every day but they are good hardworking kids! I always say they make me look good and they have been great through out my journey. A little weird today to conduct my morning meeting with all them but I made it through it:)
Sending big hugs! -
liefie, if you scroll back up to the top of the page, there should be a blue bar labelled "Private Messages" on the left side, below "All Topics", Active Topics" and "My Topics". Click it and then on the next page there should be a big button that says "Compose New Message"
I'm sorry to hear bad news from others too. Tazzy's right - group hug!
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Ach, Marian, so sorry! That must have been a shock to get that news.
Regarding nails: I have completed five treatments of TAC (T=taxotere) and have had NO nail issues whatsoever. I have not iced my nails at all, and my oncologist's office does not recommend it. I have developed mild neuropathy in my hands, however. Chemo is scary, but we don't all get all of the side effects. The consent forms I received included, for each side effect, the frequency of those side effects. Helps keep things in perspective. Some of this is just the luck of the draw, right? That's life, and I'm going to LIVE it!
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Thanks for the help, Allurbadday - I never saw it - either fast asleep, or chemo brain.
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A friend recommended wearing black nail polish and I've been doing that. My nails are more brittle and are splitting but not falling off. And I add a bit of sparkly polish and get tons of compliments, which I'll take.
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A friend recommended wearing black nail polish and I've been doing that. My nails are more brittle and are splitting but not falling off. And I add a bit of sparkly polish and get tons of compliments, which I'll take.
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I have this song on repeat to help me this AM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kblj3AEjykM(Start panicking, turn into a mannequin
Take a breath now, ahh, begin again...
You start freaking out
Wishing you were peaking out
Hold it together now
Instead of leaking out
Turn your smile on
Turn your smile up bright)Countdown to BGC, T-minus 4 hours.
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